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Social Connection
Promoting Social Connection
Social isolation is associated with higher levels of depression and disability related to chronic diseases, increased rates of premature death, and decreased overall well being. Social support contributes to a higher quality of life, increased life satisfaction and enhanced mental and physical well-being.
Staying connected with one’s community helps people feel cared for. Supportive relationships established through social connection work to encourage healthier behaviours and provide additional opportunities for support. Older people who are socially connected are more likely to eat well and to engage in physical activity, both of which reduce the risks of falls. Older people who have an adequate diet and who are physically active are also more able to participate socially.
Tools and Resources to Promote Social Connection
Together with the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors, B.C. contributed to:
- Working Together for Seniors: A toolkit to promote seniors’ social integration in community services, programs and policies, to assist organizations in eliminating barriers to older people’s social participation.
- Review of Federal/Territorial/Provincial Services and Policies and Analysis of Impact on Social Isolation, identifies key features of programs and policies likely to have positive effects on social isolation among older people.
The FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors have also completed several research reports about social isolation.
- A Profile of Social Isolation in Canada
- Expert Consultation (Winnipeg)Workshop Report documents a 2004 meeting of experts to identify factors contributing to social isolation among older Canadians, and to provide recommendations relative to isolation.
- Social Isolation Among Seniors: An Emerging Issue provides a literature review outlining the key issues regarding social isolation facing seniors.
